Chronic pain is one of the most common health issues in the United States, affecting nearly one in five adults. For many, pain makes daily activities, from walking and driving to sleeping, much harder than they should be. Fortunately, pain relief injections offer a minimally invasive way to reduce discomfort and restore mobility without the need for long-term medication or immediate surgery.
At the heart of Interventional Pain & Spine Center is Dr. Mohammad Ali, a triple board–certified pain specialist and neurologist dedicated to helping patients live with less pain. With locations in Chester, VA, and Wexford, PA, Dr. Ali and his team provide a full range of treatments, including epidural injections, nerve blocks, cortisone injections, and EMG/EEG testing. Every treatment plan is designed around your needs, with a focus on lasting relief and better quality of life.
In this article, we’ll explain the essentials of pain relief injections and what patients in Chester should know before considering this treatment.
What Pain Relief Injections Are and How They Function
Pain relief injections deliver medication directly to the source of pain. They typically contain two main components:
- A local anesthetic is used to quickly numb the painful area.
- A steroid (cortisone) to reduce inflammation and calm irritated nerves.
By targeting inflamed tissues, joints, or nerves, injections interrupt the cycle of pain and inflammation, thereby reducing the severity of the condition. For example, an epidural injection for back pain places the medication into the epidural space around spinal nerves, reducing swelling and easing sciatica or herniated disc pain.
Injections are not one-size-fits-all. Some patients may benefit from short-term relief, while others find that injections provide long-lasting improvement when combined with physical therapy or lifestyle changes.
Conditions That Can Be Treated with Pain Relief Injections
Pain relief injections are versatile. They can be used in several areas of the body, depending on the type of pain:
Back and Spine Conditions
- Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica.
- Types of injections for back pain include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and caudal injections.
Joint and Soft Tissue Pain
- Arthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder.
- Bursitis, tendonitis, and rotator cuff injuries.
- Injections often combine steroids and anesthetics for lasting relief.
Nerve-Related Pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Occipital nerve pain and cluster headaches.
- Sympathetic nerve blocks calm overactive nerve responses.
Foot and Ankle Pain – Including Flatfoot Pain
Flatfoot (fallen arches) alters weight distribution, leading to pain in the feet, ankles, and even knees or back. Patients often report aching, swelling, or difficulty walking long distances. Cortisone injections can temporarily reduce inflammation in the joints or soft tissues of the foot. While not a cure, injections help manage pain so patients can participate in physical therapy, wear supportive footwear, or pursue orthotic solutions.
Benefits of Injections Compared to Other Pain Management Methods
Many patients wonder why they should consider injections instead of relying on pills or waiting until surgery becomes necessary. Here are key advantages:
- Targeted Treatment – Unlike oral medication, injections go directly to where the pain originates.
- Fast Relief – Some patients experience relief within hours, while others may see gradual improvement over several days with steroids.
- Reduced Medication Use – Less dependence on opioids or daily pain pills.
- Complement to Therapy – Makes it easier to perform physical therapy exercises by lowering pain levels.
- Minimally Invasive – Outpatient procedure with little downtime compared to surgery.
That said, there are some considerations. Cortisone injection side effects may include temporary pain at the injection site, facial flushing, or a brief rise in blood sugar. Repeated injections over short periods may increase the risk of cartilage damage. That’s why a personalized plan from a pain management specialist is essential.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Knowing what to expect helps patients feel more comfortable.
- Before the Injection
You may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours beforehand. Wear loose clothing, and bring a list of current medications.
- During the Injection
The area is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is applied. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy (live X-ray), the doctor guides the needle precisely to the source of pain. In some cases, a contrast dye confirms correct placement. The injection itself takes only minutes.
- After the Injection
Patients are monitored briefly before going home. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal. Most can return to light activities the next day, though heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for several days.
Why Chester, VA, Patients Choose This Treatment for Chronic Pain
Patients in Chester often turn to pain relief injections because they offer a middle ground between medication and surgery. For those struggling with back pain, arthritis, or flatfoot pain, injections allow a faster return to normal activities without a long recovery period.
At Interventional Pain & Spine Center, our approach is comprehensive:
- We diagnose accurately with in-house EMG and EEG testing.
- We deliver precision-guided injections for maximum relief.
- We combine injections with physical therapy, lifestyle counseling, and long-term strategies to keep pain from returning.
This makes injections not just a quick fix but part of a sustainable treatment plan for chronic pain management.
Lasting Relief Through Expert Care
Pain relief injections offer Chester, VA, patients a proven way to control pain, restore mobility, and avoid unnecessary reliance on medications. Whether your concern is back pain, arthritis, nerve pain, or even flatfoot pain, injections can play a vital role in long-term recovery. At Interventional Pain & Spine Center, led by Dr. Mohammad Ali, our team specializes in precise, evidence-based pain management.
Don’t let chronic pain keep you from living fully. Call us today at (724) 965-8946 or set an appointment online to take the first step toward better pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW LONG DO PAIN RELIEF INJECTIONS LAST?
Relief can last from weeks to months, depending on the condition.
DO ALL PATIENTS NEED AN EPIDURAL INJECTION FOR BACK PAIN?
No. Your doctor may recommend other injection types depending on the exact source of pain.
ARE CORTISONE INJECTIONS SAFE?
Yes, when given appropriately. Risks are low, but repeated frequent injections are discouraged.
CAN INJECTIONS HELP WITH FLATFOOT PAIN?
Yes, cortisone injections reduce inflammation in the foot and ankle, but supportive treatment is also important.
WILL I NEED MULTIPLE INJECTIONS?
Sometimes. A series of injections may be recommended, but if one does not work, repeating it is often not effective.
